COUPLING TO THE TOW VEHICLE
4.4.1.1 Test Electric Brakes
If your trailer has electric brakes, your tow vehicle will have an electric brake controller that
sends power to the trailer brakes. Before towing the trailer on the road, you must operate the
-
ate. While towing the trailer at less than 5 mph, manually operate the electric brake controller in
the tow vehicle. You should feel the operation of the trailer brakes. If the trailer brakes are not
functioning, the brake system MUST be evaluated to determine the cause of the problem and
corrective action MUST be taken before the trailer is used. Please consult your dealer.
Use this procedure each time you tow your trailer to check your surge brake system operation.
4.4.1.2 Test Electric Breakaway Brakes
The breakaway brake system includes a battery, a switch with a pull-pin and lanyard, and a
breakaway brake controller. Read and follow the instructions here as well as the instructions
that have been prepared by the breakaway brake manufacturer. If you do not have these instructions,
contact your dealer for assistance.
The breakaway brake system battery will trickle charge from the tow vehicle. Dump trailers and
trailers with 12 volt hydraulic pumps will use the hydraulic pump battery for the breakaway
system on your tow vehicle does not provide power to the battery, you must periodically charge
the battery with a commercial battery charger to keep the battery charged. Dump trailers and
trailers with 12 volt hydraulic pumps have an on-board battery maintainer/charger. See the
Accessories section.
battery requires recharging. A discharged breakaway brake battery will not activate the brakes
if the trailer uncouples from the tow vehicle. The battery must be fully charged before towing
trailer.
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Breakaway Brake Battery Charger